The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has issued a warning to the Federal Government, asserting that the relentless surge in petroleum pump prices and the subsequent inflationary spiral are pushing Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens toward a breaking point.
In a statement released on Monday, seen by Securitynewsalert.com, the environmental justice and accountability watchdog highlighted the “cascading effect” that fuel costs are having on the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The organisation noted that the economic strain has moved beyond mere discomfort, creating an environment of extreme hardship for low-income earners and rural communities.
“The continuous rise in fuel prices has triggered a cascading effect on the cost of living, exacerbating poverty levels and placing unbearable strain on vulnerable populations, including women, children, low-income earners, and rural dwellers,” said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD.
The organisation pointed out that the spike in transportation costs has acted as a catalyst, driving up the prices of food and essential services. This shift has significantly eroded the purchasing power of the citizenry, leading to a widening inequality gap where those on the margins of society are forced to bear the heaviest burden of the nation’s economic shocks.
According to FENRAD, the current trajectory is unsustainable and requires immediate presidential intervention. The group stressed that without targeted relief, the nation risks sliding into a deeper socio-economic crisis.
“Economic reforms must be people-centred, inclusive, and sensitive to environmental and social realities,” Nwafor emphasised. “We are calling for the transparent and accountable management of resources accrued from subsidy removal to rebuild public trust and ensure equitable development.”
The watchdog group is urging the Federal Government to implement immediate stabilisation measures for fuel prices and to roll out robust social protection programs. These proposed interventions include food support schemes, direct cash transfers, and specialised transportation subsidies designed to cushion the impact on the poor.
As the inflationary trend continues to grip the economy, FENRAD has called on civil society and development partners to collaborate on sustainable solutions.
The organisation maintained that it remains committed to amplifying the voices of the most affected communities until tangible relief is felt at the grassroots level. #Securitynewsalert.com
